Troops have raided a suspected illegal arms manufacturing site in Kebbi State, recovering five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and arresting two suspects during an intelligence-driven operation.
The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, acting on credible intelligence about the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the manufacture and supply of locally made firearms.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the operation targeted a secluded compound reportedly used by the suspects to evade security surveillance.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a carefully planned operation on a secluded compound deliberately concealed by the suspects to evade security detection. During a thorough search of the premises, troops recovered five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and arrested two suspected arms manufacturers and suppliers,” Danja said in a statement issued on Thursday.
He said the operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, describing it as another milestone in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt the supply of illicit weapons to armed groups operating in the North-West.
“The operation, conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies, highlights the growing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and degrade criminal networks across the North-West. The successful raid represents another major step in Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s sustained campaign to curb the proliferation of illicit arms and deny terrorists access to weapons used to perpetrate violence,” he stated.
Lt. Col. Danja disclosed that the arrested suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing preliminary interrogation to assist investigators in tracking other members of the network.
“Investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, uncover their financiers and collaborators, and dismantle the entire illegal arms supply network,” he added.
The military spokesman commended the troops and partner security agencies for what he described as their professionalism and commitment during the operation.
He also appealed to residents across the North-West to continue supporting ongoing security operations by volunteering credible and timely information.
“The Theatre Command commends the professionalism and commitment of the troops and partner security agencies involved in the operation. It further urges residents of the North-West to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as public cooperation remains vital to sustaining ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and enhance security across the region,” Danja said.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA is a joint military operation established to tackle terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across Nigeria’s North-West, where security forces have intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, curbing the proliferation of illicit arms and restoring security in affected communities.
